Stained Glass Review is an overall look at the art and craft of stained glass and other glass arts.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Stained Glass Window Film, Everthing you need to know

Stained glass window film is very convenient for decorating your home windows. The patterns and designs have made this popular for homeowners. If you’ve ever read a home decorating magazine then I’m sure you’ve come across the window film idea before. It’s a very convenient alternative to stained-glass windows and also more affordable.

Along with adding beauty to your home vinyl window film can help with the electrical bills and save you money. The light shines through providing your house with added brightness without the use of extra lighting. Although you can go in the opposite direction with privacy film or tinted window film which will lessen the harshness of the sunlight. This is helpful if you’re the type that would like a little more privacy but also allow in some sunlight. This decorative film will filter out 90% of the ultraviolet rays which in turn will keep you cooler during the summer and keep the harsh sunlight from ruining your furniture making the colors and patterns last longer than they would without any window film.

It’s a fairly easy process to buy home window film measure it and trim it to fit and cling to your windows. Since it’s vinyl you don’t have to mess with glue which leads to easy application of the film. You can apply this on any glass surfaces and even choose to just use the film as a border as a way to compliment the rest of your home. Doing little things like that can really go a long way.

There are plenty of rooms in the house to add window film to, the living room, bedroom, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and even the bathroom shower. Yes, you can apply film to your glass shower and it will be able to withstand the heat, steam and moisture that will occur. It’s such a great way to spice up a room to make it a lot more interesting, warmer, inviting and add a little pizazz.

Stained glass film is a simple home decor idea that can make a big beautiful difference in any household. When it comes to decorating your home there are a lot of ideas out there ,but this definitely is one of the better ones. Your friends and family will be sure take notice of this decorative addition. It’s not like putting up new mini blinds or curtains this is noticeable and unique. Bringing with it a vibe or sense of aura as well as a touch of elegance.

There are different styles to choose from like frosted window film, privacy film, decorative film, artscape window film, etched film, opaque film just to name a few. It really all depends on what your style is and whatever your looking either way there is something out there for you.

This is a very cost-effective way and affordable way to customize the look of your house. It does have a sense of flair and it doesn’t require a lot of skills to install anybody can do it. Follow the step-by-step instructions below. All you need is some common household tools possibly of a friend or family member to help depending on the size of the window.

Tools to apply stained glass window film

Window film of course

A rubber squeegee

A razor blade or utility knife

A spray bottle filled with water

A ruler or yardstick depending on window size or even a tape measure for

A cloth

Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo

Transparent tape

Tip: Avoid applying your film during the hottest parts of the day due to the fact that your solution could possibly dry before you are done or could cause streaks.

How To Apply Stained Glass Window Film

The Easy 10 Step Process

The first thing you want to do is to measure the length of the Windows you plan on adding film to. You need to do this so you know how much film to purchase. You’ll want to add a little extra for some possible mistakes you might make or just to have some extra scraps.

Make sure your windows are clean and make sure not to clean them with a brand that contains vinegar or ammonia. But if you have no other choice make sure not to clean the window right before you begin to your process this could cause some unwanted problems.

Mix in a teaspoon of your baby shampoo to your water bottle.

Using the measurements you got earlier, cut your film 1” wider and 1” longer than the window you plan to apply it to.

Spray the window with your water and baby shampoo solution, as well as your fingertips for better control of the film. Have plenty of your water solution sprayed on the window, it’s better to have more solution than not enough.

Now using your pieces of tape remove the backing of the film. Put the tape on each side of a corner and pull the tape tabs apart to separate it from it’s backing. Once exposed by an inch or so spray it with your solution. Large pieces will require your helper to spray the film while you peel the backing to keep from any errors.

Start from the top of the window work your way down when applying the window film. Make sure the cut out piece of film is centered on the glass while you or your partner spray the solution. Don‘t forget, more solution is better than not enough. When the film is applied, use the squeegee to get out any of the bubbles to within 2" of the windows edge. Don’t forget to spray the films surface to make the use of the squeegee a lot smoother.

With your knife or razor blade positioned next to the edge of the window cut your film, but leave a 1/16” border.

Once you’ve trimmed the excess film off, re-spray the surface then proceed to squeegee any excess air bubbles through the 1/16” space you left when you trimmed your film.

Give it 30 minute to an hour to dry and it should be fairly permanent, but it will take around a week to be fully permanent.

Basically stained glass window film is manufactured to look like stained glass. It’s very reasonable alternative and sometimes a better one depending on your situation. It’s much simpler to install than having to install an actual stained glass window panel. Either way both stained glass window film and stained glass window panels will look great in any home.